Jerk damages local pub

Sean Costello — who his wife, Megan, put their souls into and their son’s name on Finnbar’s Pub in Troy — has a sad story on Facebook about damage done to his place over the weekend. Acknowledging that a restaurateur who vents online about his customers is doing so at his own peril, Costello writes:

That picture you ripped out of my bathroom wall tonight meant nothing to you. You tore it from 6 inch screws and plexiglass and smashed it all over the bathroom, and then threw up on it. But to me it was a gift from my wife on opening our business together. It was shipped from Ireland and has been the source of smiles and laughs from all our male patrons since we opened. Why couldn’t you just use the toilet without destroying my property. It meant nothing to you, but it was important to me.

First things first… I like Finnbar’s. Wife & I were just there on Friday. And I’m sorry to hear about the vandalism there. No excuse for that sort of behavior. None.

That said, playing devil’s advocate for a moment… It wouldn’t excuse doing something so stupid, but isn’t it at least possible that the vandal had been overserved at Finnbar’s? I wouldn’t expect that to happen there, but bringing something like this public raises the question. Someone who would rip something out of a wall, destroy it, and then throw up on it sure sounds like someone who was pretty well drunk. And he got that way somewhere. While it’s certainly possible he was in that state before wandering in to Finnbar’s, it’s also possible that he was not.

It is theoretically possible that the vandal was overserved at Finnbar’s. However, as you’ve acknowledged, it’s also (1) possible that he was already drunk when he got there, and (2) not an excuse for vandalism. It’s also possible for reputable establishments to misjudge a patron’s intoxication level. Or perhaps this individual was refused further service, and that caused his vandalism. I’m not sure what point the speculation serves, because it just doesn’t matter — none of it justified the destruction.

I agree Marc. While the owner understandably vented his frustration, he may want to investigate whether his own staff contributed to the problem by overserving or by not removing someone who was visibly intoxicated from the premises.

Fair points Rachel, but if he was refused service because of visible intoxication, he should have been asked to leave the premises as well.

I don’t think Marc is trying to shift the blame to Finnbar, but rather just point out that if the owner is complaining about drunk people ruining his property, it is fair to ask how that person got so drunk in the first place and why that person was allowed to remain there in such a state.

Woodrow, if I read the comment right, it sounds like MK is suggesting the community – aka the city – get together and work to help make this right. There’s no mention of the city *government* in sight.

First, it’s disturbing to think of hidden cameras in the place where customers are partially removing their clothing to private business. Second, street justice? I don’t think encouraging vigilantism is productive. Both parts of your comments scream “lawsuit.”

Asking if he was overserved by the very establishment where the vandalism occurred is a legtimate question. If he was then this isn’t a shifting of personal responsibility. It is a lesson in personal responsibility for all concerned.

Sean, someone out there knows who did this. Sooner or later they’ll tell you who did it. Sorry this happened to you and Megan. From the 5.0 that you always had to chase out from the behind the bar at Hollywood.

I think its just one person (@no surprise here says) who suggested cameras *in* their bathrooms, which would be inane. My suggestion was for cameras at the entrance to the bathrooms, outside the bathroom. Nothing illegal there. It would also be more effective to that it be visible, not hidden. It doesn’t even have to work; the guise of a camera may already be enough of a deterrent.
Surveillance cameras are everywhere. Just look at how they caught the Boston bomber. Many of the stores and restaurants on Boylston near the finish had cameras.

What a waste. A camera “at the entrance to the bathrooms” proves nothing. Even if you can do surveillance on everyone who goes in and out, you have no way of proving exactly who the vandal is. Being willing to be filmed showing your junk and urinating or defecating is the ultimate sheep-like surrender of personal integrity imaginable for a law-abiding customer. Maybe they should sign in and sign out noting the times of each, like schoolchildren are made to do when there are incidences of vandalism in school bathrooms.

putting cameras outside the bathroom are as useful as putting them in the street.

don’t be surprised if some places do this too, especially ones that face repeated vandalism.

and Rachel, who said anything about putting them in the stalls? put one facing the urinals (mens room obviously) and no one would ever get embarassed, but you’d certainly have evidence as to destroyed your property.

It’s hilarious that we’re now having a debate over whether surveillance cameras in bathrooms are appropriate, even to the point of splitting hairs over where they should face in relation to the toilets, as if any business owner with a shred of common sense would be okay being known as the establishment that records its customers going to the bathroom.

If what Steve posted is Mr. Costello’s complete quote, I think what was said is very restrained… I would have referred to the man as a nasty halfwit, or something similar… There is never any excuse for damaging anothers property… and of all the excuses “I was drunk and had to puke” is pretty much the most childish, and ignorant there is…..

Thank you everyone for the very thoughtful comments. Megan and I created and built a beautiful neighborhood Pub, one that we have been praised by our locals for not having big bouncers hovering ready to pounce at the slightest indiscretion. We’re just a little “Pub in a neighborhood”, one where friends meet, couple come on dates, and families enjoy good food and beer. With 18 years behind the “stick” I’ve had plenty of experience in cutting people off and doing it in a manner that doesn’t upset or cause any humiliation, but more so putting a water in their hand and leaving them with the thought they are welcome back another time.
Who over wrote the comment that plenty of bar owners have lots of stories to tell about damages done, hit the nail on the head. It happens. What can you do. We’re in the bar business. Sweep it up and order a new print from Ireland. ………….I just really hate cleaning up puke

Good the hear you’re taking it in stride Sean. Back in the old life, you’ve been the wild man at many an establishment on Lark street. Age brings a different perspective, which is good. Not everything that goes around comes back around, but unfortunately (or fortunately?), some of it does.
Best of luck.